Blood Tests for Breast Cancer

Overview

What is breast cancer?

Nowadays, breast cancer in women is widespread. Typically, the condition develops in women aged 50 and older. However, this condition can also occur in younger women. Breast cancer results from cancerous cells in women’s breasts multiplying and becoming tumors. This is when a doctor may suggest a blood test for breast cancer detection to determine cancer types and subtypes and recommend a personalized treatment. 

Additionally, men may also have breast cancer. Although the condition is rare, it can happen with the growth of cells in the breast tissue of men. 

Breast cancer in women is invasive and may spread to other parts of the body. Hence, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for early detection and timely intervention. 

Blood Cancer Types 

Below is a list of the most common and less common breast cancer types: 

Most Common Breast Cancers

• Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma or IDC (First Common):

This type of breast cancer in women develops in the milk ducts and spreads to the nearby tissue. It is most treatable when caught early before it has a chance to spread. 

• Lobular breast cancer (Second Common):

It houses the milk-producing glands (lobules). It can affect nearby breast tissue. It can be treated with surgical procedures followed by radiation therapy for early-stage disease. 

• Ductal carcinoma in Situ or DCIS (Third Common)

It also develops in the women’s milk ducts. Unlike IDC, this common type of breast cancer does not spread beyond the milk ducts. Additionally, this breast cancer in women may be treated with medicines and radiation therapy. 

Less Common Breast Cancer Types 

Less common types of breast cancer include: 

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

It spreads faster and is aggressive and invasive. It is treatable when detected early; however, stage IV, TNBC cannot be treated. 

• Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)

This cancer type is rare and fast-growing. A rash-like appearance on your breast. IBC can be cured. 

• Paget’s disease of the breast 

It is a fast-growing cancer that occurs rarely, may look like a rash, and targets the nipple’s skin. Compared to other breast cancers, its chances of occurrence are merely 4%. It can be cured if caught early at stage zero and has not spread beyond the milk ducts. 

Breast Cancer Subtypes

Receptor cell status classifies breast cancer subtypes. Cells’ surfaces contain protein molecules known as receptors. Estrogen and progesterone contribute to the growth of cancerous cells. A blood test for breast cancer screening aids in determining if cancerous cells have estrogen or progesterone receptors to further decide on a treatment plan. 

Breast cancer subtypes include:

• ER-positive (ER+) or estrogen receptor positive
• PR-positive (PR+) or progesterone receptor positive 
• HR-positive (HR+) or hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
• HR-negative (HR-) or HER2-negative breast cancer
• (HER2 positive (HER2+) or HER2-positive breast cancer.

Symptoms and Causes

What are breast cancer symptoms?

Breast cancer symptoms vary. The most common symptom that creates a need for a tumor marker blood test for breast cancer is that the areas of the woman’s breast look very different from each other. Some noticeable symptoms of breast cancer may include: 

• Changes in a breast’s area, size, and shape.
• A pea-sized lump
• Breast swelling
• Development of a lump or mass within the breast or the underarm area.
• Your breast’s skin feels different on your breast or nipple.
• Hardening of the skin under your breast.
• A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from your nipple.

What are the main causes of breast cancer?

A combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors causes breast cancer. The risk factors associated with breast cancer include: 

1. Genetic factors

Approximately 15% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer develop the disease because they have inherited gene mutations. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Nevertheless, other genes, such as TP53, may also contribute to the development. Therefore, a blood test for the breast cancer gene may be suggested.

2. Hormonal factors

Hormonal factors such as estrogen exposure and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase the risk of developing breast cancer. 

• Estrogen exposure: This refers to early menstruation, late menopause, and no pregnancies, which can increase the risk. 
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Especially combined estrogen and progesterone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer if used long-term. 

3. Age and Gender

Breast cancer is more common in women than men. The condition is more likely to develop in individuals aged 55 or older. 

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle and environmental factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer in women and men. For instance, alcohol consumption can increase estrogen levels. Obesity and lack of physical activity lead to fat issues producing estrogen, which may fuel some breast cancers. Additionally, smoking and radiation exposure add to the same. 

5. Reproductive History

Women who conceive after the age of 30 or never experience pregnancy are more likely to develop the condition. Besides, if you are not a breastfeeding mom, it can also cause problems. It is because breastfeeding may slightly reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

6. Medical History

If you had a history of breast conditions like lobular carcinoma in situ, also called LCIS,  or had a breast biopsy, this increases the risk of breast cancer.

7. Family History

If your parents, siblings, or close relatives have breast cancer, you are at risk of developing the same. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider suggests a blood test for breast cancer detection, get yourself tested immediately. Early and accurate detection will help ensure timely treatment and prevent disease progression. It also increases the chances of survival and less aggressive treatments that can be painful and expensive, too. 

What complications can occur due to breast cancer?

Breast cancer can cause several complications, which may arise due to cancer itself, its spread (metastasis), or treatment side effects. 

1. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) can spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, lungs, and bones.
2. Lymphedema occurs when lymph nodes are removed or damaged during surgery or radiation.
3. Side Effects of Treatment include:

• Chemotherapy can lead to fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and lower immunity. 
• Radiation Therapy can cause sunburns, fatigue, and lung inflammation. 
• Hormone Therapy can cause hot flashes, bone thinning, blood clots, and mood changes. 

4. Emotional and psychological factors include depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence. Also, it may affect your sexual health. 

5. Recurrence: Last but not least, cancer can come back even after getting the treatment in the breast, chest wall, or distant organs. 

Diagnosis and Tests 

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Several methods, including physical examinations, mammograms, and specific tests, are used to confirm the diagnosis. Let’s understand them in detail.

1. Physical examination: Healthcare providers check overall health. They address your concern by asking a few questions and, if necessary, evaluating the basic functions of your organs.
2. Mammography: Mammography helps detect early signs of breast cancer before symptoms develop. This specialized test involves a low-dose X-ray of your breast tissue. Additionally, the test helps detect abnormalities, such as the development of a new lump in the breast, pain, nipple discharge, or changes in breast skin. 
3. Tests: The following tests help diagnose breast cancer:

• Breast ultrasound
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan:
• Breast biopsy
• Immunohistochemistry: This test helps check for hormone receptors. 
• Genetic testing helps identify mutations that cause breast cancer. 

Stages of Breast Cancer

Below are different stages of breast cancer that depend on factors like breast cancer type, tumor size, and location. Additionally, how much cancer has spread to other parts of the body? 

• In stage 0, cancer has not spread from your breast ducts to other parts of the body. 
• Stage 1: This stage indicates that cancerous cells have spread to nearby breast tissue. 
• Stage 2: This stage confirms that a tumor or tumors have formed that are either smaller than 2 centimeters or larger than 5 centimeters. They have or have not captured lymph nodes in the underarm area. Hence, a tumor marker blood test for breast cancer​ may be repeated to track the progression of the disease. 
• Stage 3: An advanced stage of breast cancer that shows breast cancer has spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes. 
• Stage 4: Cancer is not just in your breast, it has also spread to bones, liver, lungs, or brain. 

Management and Treatment 

How is breast cancer treated?

Once the stage of breast cancer is confirmed through a blood test for breast cancer screening, a healthcare professional will begin the treatment. He will suggest a surgery, which is a primary breast cancer treatment, often followed by chemotherapy medicines that are given through a vein. The pills are also available to manage the condition. 

Most recommended breast cancer surgeries include: 

• Mastectomy
• Lumpectomy
• Skin-sparing (Immediate breast reconstruction)

As mentioned above, surgeries are often combined with the following treatments: 

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormone Therapy 
• Targeted Therapy

Are There Any Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment?

Yes. You may experience certain side effects: 

1. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for breast cancer may cause: 

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting

2. Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Hormone Therapy may cause: 

• Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. 
• Hot flashes
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Breathing problems, including shortness of breath, painful breathing, and cough
• Pain in bones, back, musculoskeletal pain, and joints

Importance of Palliative Care in Breast Cancer 

Palliative care is a specialized type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms. Additionally, it focuses on helping the patient cope with the serious illness treatment side effects, such as those associated with breast cancer. 

What are the complications associated with breast cancer surgery?

If your healthcare professional suspects a need for breast cancer surgery, after a blood test for breast cancer detection, it can cause complications, which may include:

• Infection at the injection site
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage 
• Lymphedema
• Shoulder stiffness
• Pain
• Wound infection
• Haematoma 
• Problems after lymph node removal 

Prevention

Can we prevent breast cancer?

Breast cancer prevention may not be possible. However, regular self-exams and mammograms can certainly help detect breast cancer early on, minimizing the risk of disease progression. 

How can you lower the risk of developing breast cancer?

There is no sure-shot way to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Following these instructions can help keep the disease at bay:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stay active
• Avoid drinks that contain beverages
• A blood test for breast cancer screening
• Regular self-exams 

Additionally, some women develop breast cancer due to genetics. Therefore, this may be suggested:

• Genetic screening
• Medications such as tamoxifen and raloxifene can help lower the chances of developing breast cancer. 
• Prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy
• Physical examinations and frequent breast cancer screenings

Note: Individuals under the age of 40 have an increased risk of developing the condition. Additional testing may be needed, too, to detect breast cancer. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatments. 

Outlook/Prognosis

How likely is a patient with breast cancer to survive?
The survival chances of breast cancer depend on whether it is invasive or non-invasive. Early and accurate detection can certainly help improve the survival rate. However, survival for breast cancer across countries, including India, is more than 60%.

Here is a general overview of estimated five-year survival rates for breast cancer at different stages in India: 

Breast Cancer Stage	Description	Five-Year Survival Rate
Local	Cancer is restricted to the breast only.	80-90%
Regional	Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes	60-70%
Distant	Cancer cells have reached other organs.	20-30%

Outlook for Breast Cancer

The outlook for breast cancer highlights that if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, it is treatable. Fewer people can die of breast cancer. Additionally, data also reveals that approximately. Approximately 80-90% of people lived beyond five years after diagnosis. 

Regretfully, breast cancer can come back in the form of metastatic breast cancer, which means it can spread to other parts of the body. You may need to follow a similar procedure, such as undergoing a blood test for cancer detection, taking medication, and receiving therapies to treat it effectively. 

Living With 

How can you take care of yourself?

Handling yourself while living with breast cancer may not be easy. It can be a complete whirlpool of emotions. Below are some helpful tips to take care of yourself as you go through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

• Get enough rest 
• Eat well
• Manage your stress
• Join cancer survivorship programs

When should you see a healthcare provider?

You should seek help from a healthcare professional if you find symptoms such as a lump, pain, discoloration, or any change in the breast size that is getting worse. Also, report any new symptoms that develop in a different part of your body to a doctor. 

What questions should you ask your healthcare provider?

Breast cancer is life-threatening. It can even cause death. If it is confirmed through a blood test for breast cancer screening that you have cancer, you may ask the following questions to the doctor: 

• What is your breast cancer type?
• What is your tumor’s stage, size, and grade?
• What is the status of your estrogen and progesterone receptors?
• What is your HER2 status?
• Will you need surgery?
• What treatment options are available for breast cancer?

Additional Common Questions

What is silent breast cancer?

Silent breast cancer means you have had breast cancer for years. There are no noticeable changes in your breasts, such as a lump. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice an unusual bump that persists for more than a few days. 

How fast does breast cancer grow?

The growth of breast cancer depends on several factors, including: 

• What type of breast cancer do you have?
• The stage and grade of the tumor

Ask your healthcare professional about your concerns and gather as much information as possible. 

Do men get breast cancer?

Yes. Men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Compared to women, they are less likely to be diagnosed with the condition. A 2024 study reveals that about 1% of men in India had breast cancer. It may be because there is no fat in the male breast, so it shifts to the lungs, liver, bones, and brain. 

A note from Redcliffe Labs! 

Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab- Redcliffe Labs is committed to empowering you with advanced diagnostic tools for better health outcomes. A tumor marker blood test for breast cancer alone cannot detect the condition. Additional testing may be needed. 

Our NABL-accredited labs ensure accurate results, quick turnaround times, and expert guidance to support your healthcare journey. If you or your doctor are considering breast cancer marker testing, trust Redcliffe Labs for reliable and timely diagnostics. Book your test today! 

Step-by-step information on booking a test online:

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.